Baxi Solo UPDATED model number

[Steve]

I have inherited a Baxi Solo in my new (old) house. The instruction booklet is there. It would appear to have 3 settings, the middle one is 13kw (from memory). Am I right in thinking 9/89 on the front of the instructions is the date of manufacture? So this boiler is over 20 years old?

Are these boilers any good? Reliable? Efficient? I'm just wondering if its worth changing it for a combi ASAP or waiting until funds are more readily available . . . (other hardware includes room stat, 3 way valve for cylinder, cylinder is insulated and has a stat).

Am I also right in thinking the only supply to this boiler is a cable that tells it when to fire up? So if the pilot blows out, it needs re-sparking?

Cheers.

 

[kevindgas]

there are 3 versions of the solo. it may be helpful if you can tell us which one you have
the first 2 versions are dinosaurs, but the Solo3 isn't a bad boiler fairly robust and reliable.

 

[twgas]

Don't get a combi until you've assessed your hot water requirements, both now and in the future.

 

[Steve]

Don't get a combi until you've assessed your hot water requirements, both now and in the future.

Hardly any!!! Thats what I'll use. I'm having the place rewired next week, the immersion heater is not being connected (it isnt connected now). I have an electric shower, I dont use the bath, I can boil a kettle for washing up. Live alone.

The cylinder is the smallest I've ever seen too. Only a 2 bed semi (terrace style, 1910). 5 and a half rads. I dont think I'll ever heat up the whole cylinder. Say I want enough hot water to fill a basin, how long should I set the cylinder heat to run for?

 

[Steve]

By way of an update to this, The boiler is a WM 40/4 RS. Any good? Give me a few more years yet?

11kw doesnt sound like much of an output. Is this sufficient to heat a 2 bed semi with solid 9 inch walls?

 

[herebriefly]

By way of an update to this, The boiler is a WM 40/4 RS. Any good? Give me a few more years yet?

11kw doesnt sound like much of an output. Is this sufficient to heat a 2 bed semi with solid 9 inch walls?

That is perfectly adequate for your house size, & is great solid boiler (albeit approx 20years old).

If your pilot was extinguished, you relight it with a 'piezo' type spark generator. It does not need mains electricity to re-light the pilot.

David.

 

[herebriefly]

By way of an update to this, The boiler is a WM 40/4 RS. Any good? Give me a few more years yet?

11kw doesnt sound like much of an output. Is this sufficient to heat a 2 bed semi with solid 9 inch walls?

That is perfectly adequate for your house size, & is great solid boiler (albeit approx 20years old).

If your pilot was extinguished, you relight it with a 'piezo' type spark generator. It does not need mains electricity to re-light the pilot.

Get it serviced annualy though - the pilot injector commonly blocks on these.

David.